BREAKING: Alabama names former 5-Star starting quarterback

Alabama has named Keelon Russell its starting quarterback ahead of the 2026 season, per multiple reports.

Russell is a former five-star quarterback and is a sophomore for the Crimson Tide.

The Texas native played in two games for Alabama last season. He completed 11-of-15 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns while playing in those games. Russell beat out Austin Mack to become the starter.

Alabama’s offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb praised Russell for the way he took care of the football heading into fall camp.

“I’d say Keelon did a better job taking care of the football in the summer than he did in the spring,” Grubb said.

The battle begin to heavily swing Russell’s way when he was the first quarterback taking first-team reps in the Tide’s second scrimmage.

Russell will lead the Tide against East Carolina on Sept. 5.